Time-Delayed Multi-Charged Diversionary Device

ABSTRACT

A diversionary device capable of providing multiple discharges according to a prescribed time schedule. The device preferably assumes the same general form as a prior art stun grenade, including a safety pin that is pulled to arm the device and a spring-biased lever that is released when the device is deployed.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of diversionary munitions. Motespecifically, the invention comprises a hand grenade having the abilityto tire -multiple separate charges in a desired time-delayed sequence.

2. Description of Related Art

In many law enforcement and tactical military situations it is desirableto provide a diversionary device. An example of such a device is a“flash/bang” grenade (sometimes also known as a “stun grenade”). Aflash/bang grenade is typically armed and thrown in the same manner as afragmentation grenade (a “frag”). However, unlike a frag grenade, aflash/bang device does not produce flying fragments. Instead, itproduces a loud noise and typically a bright flash of light (though someproduce comparatively little light).

The U.S. Army's M84 stun grenade produces a sound level sufficient tocause a temporary loss of hearing and impairment of balance. It producesa flash bright enough to impair vision for over 5 seconds, as well asproducing a persistent afterimage that may impair the aiming of a weaponfor up to 30 seconds.

Stun grenades are often used when breaching a door and securing a roomthat is suspected to contain hostile occupants. The door is breached anda stun grenade is thrown into the room. Immediately after the detonationof the stun grenade an infiltration team storms into the room andengages the occupants. The idea is for the engagement to commence and becompleted before the occupants have recovered from the effects of theflash/bang.

In other instances a flash/bang is used as a misdirection device. Forexample, a patrol trying to flank the right side of an enemy positionmight toss a flash/bang to the left. Upon the detonation of thediversionary device the patrol would then maneuver around the right.Unfortunately, however, traditional devices such as the M84 are onlymarginally effective as a diversionary device. They produce only asingle report. In the diversionary role, the detonation may be too farfrom the enemy position to impair hearing or sight. Though it attractsattention, it only does so for a short while.

A better device would attract attention for a longer interval. It isalso desirable for the device to create some doubt as to its nature. If,for example, the engaged adversary questions whether the flash/bang is asingle explosion or may instead represent sustained fire from anotherweapon-holder, a real tactical advantage is created. The presentinvention provides this functionality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a diversionary device capable ofproviding multiple discharges according to a prescribed time schedule.The device preferably assumes the same general form as a prior art stungrenade, including a safety pin that is pulled to arm the device and aspring-biased lever that is released when the device is deployed.

Timing is provided by a timing drum moving at a controlled rate. Thecontrolled rate may be provided by a piston moving through a meteringfluid. The piston may include one or more metering orifices that controlits rate of travel.

Multiple firing chambers are included in the device, each of which canreceive a cartridge to be detonated. Each firing chamber is providedwith a corresponding spring-loaded striker positioned to detonate acartridge in the chamber. Each striker includes its own movableretainer. Each retainer holds its corresponding striker in a cockedposition until the retainer is moved and the striker is released.

Slots are provided in the timing drum. These slots are positioned tocooperate with the movable retainers holding the strikers in the cockedposition. As a particular slot in the timing drum is moved adjacent to aparticular retainer, the retainer moves into the slot and therebyreleases the corresponding striker. By varying the starting position ofeach slot on the drum, a delay between the firing of the individualstrikers is obtained. In fact, within the constraints of the totalmovement of the timing drum, any desired sequence and timing of themultiple charges can he provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, showing the major components ofa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation view, showing a preferred embodiment inan assembled state.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing some details of the timing drum.

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation view, showing some details of the timingdrum.

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view, showing some features of thedelay chamber.

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view, showing the firing of one striker.

FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view, showing an additional timingadjustment device.

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation view, showing one embodiment of a timingadjustment component added to the rod top.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing another embodiment of a timingadjustment component added to the rod top.

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view, showing a slot in the leverretainer cap configured to include an additional timing delay mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view, showing a slot in the leverretainer cap configured to include an additional timing delay mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view, showing a slot in the leverretainer cap configured to include an additional timing delay mechanism.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   10 diversionary device-   12 outer body-   14 base-   16 lever-   18 safety pin-   20 ring-   22 pin receiver-   24 lever retainer cap-   26 blast port-   28 firing chamber-   30 spring well-   32 core-   33 timing spring-   34 striker bore-   36 tang-   38 hook-   40 through bore-   42 paddle-   44 slot-   46 bridge-   48 engagement feature-   50 striker-   52 striker spring-   54 shoulder-   56 nose-   58 ball bearing retainer-   60 transverse hole-   62 transverse hole-   64 cartridge-   66 flange-   68 engagement feature-   72 timing drum-   74 slot-   76 rod-   78 O-ring-   80 piston-   82 delay chamber-   84 delay chamber cap-   86 O-ring-   88 receiver-   90 leader slot-   92 firing slot-   94 tripping shoulder-   96 metering orifice-   98 bulkhead-   100 timing drum chamber-   102 adjustment rod-   104 threaded bore-   106 screwdriver slot-   108 spring plate-   110 delay rod top-   112 rod top-   114 delay rod top-   116 bore-   118 journal-   120 delay rod top-   122 slot-   124 male interrupted thread-   126 flat-   128 rectangular slot-   130 female interrupted thread-   132 bore

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Diversionary device 10 assumes the general form of a prior art stungrenade. Lever 16 is retained in the “safe” position via the insertionof a transverse safety pin 18 through pin receiver 22. The safety pinpreferably includes an attached ring 20. The combination of the ring,pin, and lever preferably includes the functionality well known to thosefamiliar with deploying grenades of various types.

As an example, the pin is preferably configured to remain in place untilthe user grasps the ring, twists the ring, and pulls the pin free. Thedevice remains in a “safe” condition as long as lever 16 is pressedagainst the side of outer body 12. The lever is spring-biased away fromthe body. When the user throws the device, lever 16 pivots out and awayfrom the body. This action initiates the firing sequence.

When the inventive grenade fires, a series of timed detonations blastsound out blast ports 26. Light flashes may also be produced. The deviceproduces multiple reports—such as eight reports. The reports may beconfigured to occur in a defined time sequence, such as:blast-blast-pause-blast-blast-blast-pause-blast-blast-long pause-blast.The prolonged sequence enhances the confusion caused by the inventivediversionary device.

The inventive mechanisms used to carry out the timed detonations may berealized in a wide variety of ways. FIGS. 2 through 7 illustrate onepreferred embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the majorcomponents of the invention. The smaller internal components have beenomitted for visual clarity. The major components are assembled into a“can” structure with outer body 12 linking them together. Core 32 isstacked on top of base 14 (Directional terms such as “on top” should beunderstood to refer to the orientation shown in the view and should notbe viewed as limiting. The inventive device will function in anyorientation. No directional term in this entire description should beviewed as limiting and should instead be assumed to apply only to theorientation shown in a particular view—unless stated otherwise). Outerbody 12 slides over core 32 and the lower portion of outer body 12 linksto base 14. Lever retainer cap 24 mounts over the top of core 32 andlinks to the top of outer body 12.

Lever 16 includes paddle 42 and tang 36 with hook 38 on its distal end.Tang 36 slides into slot 44 on lever retainer cap 24, with hook 38hooking under bridge 46. Through-bore 40 in tang 36 aligns with pinreceiver 22. The pin (not shown) is inserted through the alignedthrough-bore 40 and pin receiver 22.

Base 14 includes multiple firing chambers 28. In the example depicted,eight firing chambers are included in an equally-spaced radial array(centered on the central axis of the base). Spring well 32 is alsoincluded in base 14. Core 32 includes a corresponding radial array ofstriker bores 34. Each striker bore 34 contains a striker configured todetonate a cartridge placed in one of the firing chambers 28. Eachstriker bore is aligned with a firing chamber. Core 32 also containsdelay chamber 82, which houses the timing mechanism for providing thetimed detonation sequence. Transverse holes 60, 62 are provided throughcore 32 in a direction that is normal to its central axis.

Core 32 and base 14 may be made of aluminum. Those skilled in the artwill quickly realize that the shapes shown for the base and the core inthis particular example lend themselves to machining. The outsidediameters can be turned on a lathe. Spring well 30 and delay chamber 82can be bored or drilled. Firing chambers 28 and striker bores 34 can bedrilled. Transverse holes 60, 62 and blast ports 26 can be drilled aswell. Other manufacturing techniques may be used as well, such ascasting.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional elevation view of the completed invention. Themajor components depicted in FIG. 2 are included, along with otherinternal components as well. Base 14 includes multiple firing chambers28. In use, cartridges 64 are located in the firing chambers. Eachcartridge 64 is any suitable device that can be detonated by a sharpblow on its base. The particular type of cartridge shown includes aflange 66 that seats into an annular flange recess in the top of thefiring chamber. The lower portion of the base includes chamber 70.Multiple transverse blast ports 26 are provided that vent outward fromchamber 70. The result is that a detonation of any particular cartridge64 will cause a pressure wave to spread from all the blast ports and notjust the particular blast port that is nearest the detonating cartridge.

Outer body 12 slides over the reduced-diameter portion of base 14 asshown. Engagement feature 68 is provided to connect the base and theouter body. The engagement feature could be a snap fit, a thread, or anyother suitable connecting feature. It may provide a reversible orpermanent connection.

Core 32 fits within outer body 12 and rests against base 14. The lowerportion of the core actually captures the cartridges 64 in the firingchambers so that they are in position and ready to fire. The corecaptures other significant components as well. The lower portion of thecore opens into timing drum chamber 100. Timing drum 72 slides into thischamber. In this embodiment, the timing drum is cylindrical. It slideswithin the cylindrical timing drum chamber. It is urged upward by timingspring 33, which rests within spring well 30 in the base.

The upper portion of the core opens into delay chamber 82. Delay chamber82 is separated from timing drum chamber 100 by bulkhead 98. Rod 76passes through the bulkhead and its lower portion connects to timingdrum 72. The connection between the rod and the timing drum can be madeby a thread, a press fit, an adhesive joint, or other type ofconnection. The result is that rod 76 moves in unison with the timingdrum.

Piston 80 is connected to rod 76 and may in fact be made as in integralpart of the rod. The piston moves within delay chamber 82. The delaychamber is filled with a fluid of suitable viscosity (a “delay fluid”).The fluid may be a gas or it may be a liquid. Piston 80 may also containone or more metering orifices allowing the delay fluid to pass throughthe piston. Alternatively, a small clearance may be provided between thepiston's outer perimeter and the wall of the delay chamber.

The upper portion of the delay chamber is sealed by delay chamber cap84. The delay chamber cap also mounts an O-ring 86 to prevent leakagearound the upper portion of rod 76. Likewise, bulkhead 98 mounts anO-ring 78 to prevent leakage around the rod's lower portion. The O-ringsassure that delay fluid does not escape the delay chamber and that thepiston must therefore move through the delay fluid without forcing thefluid out of the delay chamber.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper portion of rod 76 protrudes through bore132 in lever retention cap 24 and bears against the underside of tang36. This interface retains the components in the position shown. Piston80 is resting within the lower portion of the delay chamber. However,once the pin is pulled and the lever is released, the top of rod 76 willforce tang 36 upward. Hook 38 will pivot under bridge 46 and the leverwill fly away (The upward force of timing spring 33 causes the top ofrod 76 to flip tang 36 up and away). The rod and timing drum do not popup instantaneously, however. The rate of movement of piston 80 throughdelay chamber 86 is regulated by the presence of the delay fluid. Arelatively high viscosity delay fluid will cause the piston to moveupward quite slowly whereas a relatively low viscosity delay fluid (suchas a gas) will cause it to move upward relatively rapidly.

Lever retainer cap 24 rests over the top of delay chamber cap 84 andcore 32. The lever retainer cap is connected to the upper portion ofouter body 12 via engagement feature 48. As for the connection betweenthe outer body and the base, the connection at 48 may be a snap, athread, or any other suitable connection. Whatever form it takes, thisconnection affixes lever retainer cap 24 to the top of the device.

The reader should recall that timing drum 72 moves in unison with therod and piston. Thus, when the pin is pulled and the lever is released,the timing drum moves up with the rod. The timing drum is central to thefiring mechanism for the inventive device, which will now be described.

Directly above each firing chamber 28 lies a striker 50 (sliding withina striker bore 34 in core 32). A striker spring 52 urges each strikerdownward toward its corresponding firing chamber. Each striker 50includes a nose 56, which is shaped to detonate a cartridge. Proximatethe nose is shoulder 54. In this version each striker is a radiallysymmetric shape such as might be turned on a lathe.

FIG. 3 shows each striker 50 in a cocked position—ready to fire. A ballbearing retainer 58 retains each striker in the cocked position untilthe timing mechanism releases it. Looking at the striker 50 in the rightside of FIG. 3, the reader will note that ball bearing retainer 58 restswithin transverse hole 60 through core 32. The reader will note how theconcave shape of shoulder 54 engages ball bearing retainer 58 and tendsto urge it inward toward timing drum 72. The timing drum, however,limits the inward travel of the ball bearing retainer. Thus, the ballbearing retainer is held in position within transverse hole 60. Itspresence holds striker 50 in the cocked position.

But, as timing drum 72 moves upward (once the pin and lever arereleased), ball bearing retainer 58 will drop into an aligned slot 74 inthe timing drum. The presence of the slot in the timing drum allows theshoulder 54 on the striker to push ball bearing retainer 58 inwardtoward the central axis of the inventive device until the striker clearsthe ball bearing retainer and fires downward. Once ball bearing retainer58 drops into slot 74, striker spring 52 propels striker 50 intocartridge 64. Nose 56 on the striker then detonates the cartridge.

FIG. 7 shows this progression for the striker shown on the right in FIG.3. Timing drum 72 is moving upward as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7.When it has moved far enough, ball bearing retainer 58 drops into firingslot 92 in the timing drum. The lateral movement of the ball bearingretainer is indicated by the arrow. The lateral movement of the ballbearing retainer allows it to clear the striker. Striker spring 52 thenpropels the striker downward and nose 56 contacts and detonatescartridge 64.

The reader will note that transverse hole 62 exists near the bottom ofthe striker's travel. This transverse hole acts as a vent. It allows theair resting in front of the striker to exit the striker bore as thestriker moves toward the cartridge. In the absence of the vent, thevelocity of the striker would be reduced.

In order to understand how this firing mechanism produces a desired andpredetermined time delay, some additional details of the timing drummust be explained. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of timing drum 72.Receiver 88 is provided in its upper end (Again—directional terms referonly to the orientation shown in the view as the inventive device willfunction in any orientation). The lower end of rod 76 fits into receiver88 and attaches the rod to the timing drum.

In this embodiment the inventive device has eight firing chambers andeight strikers. Accordingly, the timing drum has eight slots 74 cut intoits outward-facing cylindrical surface. Each slot includes two alignedportions—a leader slot 90 and a firing slot 92. The slots may assumemany different forms. In the version shown, the slots may be made byusing a ball end-mill cutting to a variable depth. For the leader slot,the ball end-mill is run at a shallow depth. For the firing slot, theball end-mill is run at a deeper depth.

In the starting position shown in FIG. 3, each ball bearing retainer 58is resting within a leader slot 90 in the timing drum. The leader slotis deep enough to engage the ball bearing retainer, but not deep enoughto allow the ball bearing retainer to disengage its correspondingstriker and allow it to fire.

Returning to FIG. 4, the reader will notice a “callout” for thesectional view of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 provided a sectional view of the timingdrum, taken through two slots on opposite sides of the timing drum. Theportion of each slot where the leader slot deepens to form the firingslot is called a “tripping shoulder.” Each slot contains a trippingshoulder 94 as shown. When the respective ball bearing retainer 58 rollsover this tripping shoulder the respective striker fires.

In looking at FIG. 5, the reader will perceive that the trippingshoulder 94 shown on the right slot is higher than the one shown on theleft slot. The distance from the top of the timing cylinder to thetripping shoulder on the right (“D2”) is smaller than the distance tothe tripping shoulder on the left (“D1”). Recall that once the pin andlever are released, the timing drum moves upward at a controlled rate.This fact means that the ball bearing retainer riding in the slot on theright in the view will ride over the tripping shoulder at D2 (andrelease Its corresponding striker) before the ball bearing retainer onthe left in the view will ride over the tripping shoulder at D1. Thus, adelay will occur between the releasing of the two respective strikers.

Returning now to FIG. 4, the reader will note that the various slots 74can be provided with any desired length and position. Further, thetiming drum can be given a wide variety of travel speeds. For example,the delay from the firing of the first charge to the last charge couldbe 1 full second. It could be as little as 300 milliseconds. It could beas long as 5 seconds or even more. Swapping out the timing cylinderallows the user to vary the timing and sequence of detonation.

FIG. 6 shows some additional details regarding delay chamber 82. In thisversion two metering orifices 96 pass through piston 80. These allowdelay fluid to pass from in front of the traveling piston to behind itas the piston progresses through the chamber. The reader will alsoobserve how O-rings 78 and 86 seal the interface between rod 76 and theends of the delay chamber. The motion of the piston is primarilygoverned by (1) the spring coefficient of timing spring 33; (2) thepre-load applied to the timing spring when the piston is in its startingposition; (3) the size of the metering orifices; and (4) the viscosityof the delay fluid in the chamber.

Returning now to FIG. 3, another selectable timing feature will bedescribed. FIG. 3 shows how a portion of tang 36 rests over the upperextreme of rod 76. The presence of tang 36 prevents any motion by therod and thereby prevents the start of the timed ignition sequence. Insome instances it is desirable to provide an extended delay before thefirst cartridge is detonated. For example, when the inventive device isthrown it may travel through the air for 1 to 2 seconds. In many casesit is preferable for the device to be silent during this trajectory.

However, in other cases, it is desirable for the first cartridge to bedetonated in a much shorter interval. In a door-breaching scenario, forexample, the inventive diversionary device should start detonating assoon as it is thrown through a gap between a door and its frame. Sinceit is difficult to know the scenario that will be encounteredbeforehand, it is preferable to provide the inventive device with aswitchable delay mechanism. Such a mechanism can be provided in tang 36.

A movable block can be provided in the portion of tang 36 overlying theend of rod 76. If a short delay before the first detonation is desired,this movable block can be switched so that the end of rod 76 travelsupward and stops at a point just before the first ball bearing retainerreaches its corresponding tripping shoulder. If, on the other hand, along delay is desired, the movable block can be moved to push the rodend fully inward as shown in FIG. 3. The moving block could even beprovided with a camming surface so that switching between the two modescould be done several times before the inventive grenade is actuallydeployed.

Many other features may optionally be included to allow the user toalter the timing of the mechanism. FIG. 8 shows one such device. In thisversion the bottom of spring well 30 opens into threaded bore 104.Adjustment rod 102 threads into this hole. Screwdriver slot 106 isprovided on the outward-lacing portion of adjustment rod 102. Springplate 108 is positioned to bear against the end of timing spring 103. Auser can alter the spring bias by inserting a screwdriver intoscrewdriver slot 106 and increasing or decreasing the load on thespring. An increased spring load causes the timing mechanism to progressmore rapidly and a decreased spring load causes it to progress lessrapidly.

A female hexagonal socket suitable for an Allen key could be substitutedfor the screwdriver slot. Other embodiments might also include a lockingplug that threads into the same hole and secures the adjustment rod inplace so that it cannot turn.

FIG. 9 shows another variable-delay embodiment. In this version a shortdelay rod 110 is placed over rod top 112. Delay rod top 114 actuallybears against the bottom of tang 36. The delay rod can be placed in someassemblies to increase the time before the first cartridge is detonated.It may also be omitted from other assemblies to decrease the delaybefore the first detonation. The presence or absence of the delay rodsets the initial position of the timing drum. When the delay rod isabsent, the timing drum starts in a higher initial position (with thedirectional term “higher” being understood only to refer to theorientation shown in FIG. 9). An experienced user could also removedelay rod 110 in order to convert a “long delay” version of theinventive device to a “short delay”. In order to do this the operatorwould pull the pin and carefully remove the lever. The timing mechanismwould actuate and the delay rod could be grasped and removed. The leverand pin would then be replaced.

A more-sophisticated variable timing embodiment is depicted in FIGS.10-13. FIG. 10 shows rod top 112 (the uppermost portion of rod 76). Bore116 is provided in the rod top. This bore receives journal 118protruding from the bottom of delay rod top 120. Delay rod top 120 isthereby able to freely pivot on rod top 112.

Delay rod top 120 is provided with male interrupted thread 124. The malethread is interrupted by a pair of parallel flats 126 (one on eitherside of the delay rod top). One way to make the delay rod top is toprovide a normal male thread on a cylindrical exterior—then grind or cutthe two parallel flats 126. This is by no means the only way to make thepart, but it serves to explain the desired geometry.

Slot 122 is provided in the outward-facing surface of the delay rod top120. This allows an external tool to adjust the rotational position ofdelay rod top 120. A hexagonal recess or other similar recess couldalternatively be provided.

FIG. 11 shows a modified version of lever retainer cap 24 that isconfigured for use with the delay rod top shown in FIG. 10. Bore 132through the lever retainer cap is provided with female interruptedthread 130 and rectangular slot 128. Female interrupted thread 130 isconfigured to engage male interrupted thread 124 on delay rod top 120.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show ways in which this embodiment may be set to varythe delay provided. In FIG. 12, delay rod top 120 has been rotated sothat the male interrupted thread on the delay rod top is engaged withthe female interrupted thread in the bore. When the pin is pulled andthe lever is released, the rod will rise. However, its rate of rise willbe limited by the fact that delay rod top 120 must rotate through 90degrees until the two flats 126 on delay rod top 120 are aligned withrectangular slot 128 (and the threads are then disengaged). Thisfrictional engagement of the threads will slow the rise rate for thedelay rod top and the rod to which it is attached. Once the threads aredisengaged delay rod top 120 will rise without any further rotation.

If the user wants a shorter delay, he or she rotates delay rod top 120to the position shown in FIG. 13. In this position the flats 126 on thedelay rod top are aligned with the sides of rectangular slot 128. If thepin is pulled and the lever is removed at this point, the delay rod top120 will rise without rotation. Thus, rotating the delay rod top to theposition shown in FIG. 13 produces a relatively short delay whereasrotating it to the position shown in FIG. 12 produces a relatively longdelay.

The user-selectable positions ultimately control an initial rate ofmotion of the timing drum. If the interrupted threads are engaged, thenthe initial motion of the timing drum will be slow until the threads aredisengaged and the rate of motion then increases. If the interruptedthreads are not engaged, then the initial rate of motion will just bethe normal rate for the embodiments in which no additionaluser-selectable delay device (such as the interrupted thread) isprovided.

The same type of interrupted thread arrangement could be used at anyconvenient location along the length of the rod or the other componentsattached to the rod. For example, an interrupted thread could beprovided in the timing cylinder itself. Numerous other features andcombinations could be provided. These include:

(1) Shapes other than a radially-symmetric configuration. The inventivedevice is not limited to the cylindrical configuration illustrated.Further, the illustrated embodiments use an equal radial spacing for allthe firing chambers and this need not be the case;

(2) The retainers used to hold the strikers in the “cocked” positionneed not be spherical. Spherical “ball bearing” retainers areillustrated. However, many other shapes could be used as well;

(3) The device may be made reloadable and reusable. For example, acocking lever could be provided to return all the strikers to the cockedposition. The base may be made removable so that the spent cartridgescan be removed and replaced with fresh ones;

(4) The delayed motion of the timing drum may be produced using amechanism other than a piston. For example, the rate of motion of therod might be limited by driving a gear motor that accelerates aflywheel;

(5) The bias provided by the timing spring might be replaced by gaspressure acting on a piston;

(6) The use of the term “drum” for the timing drum should not beconstrued as limiting this component to cylindrical shapes. As oneexample, the timing drum could have a rectangular cross-section ridingin a broached slot; and

(7) The slots shown in the timing drum are circular in cross section(such as made by a ball cutter). However, they could be vee-grooves orany other suitable shape.

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding thenovel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed,however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providingillustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined byreference to the claims ultimately presented rather than the examplesgiven.

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. A diversionary device forsetting off multiple cartridges housed within a common container in atimed sequence, comprising: (a) a plurality of firing chambers, witheach firing chamber being configured to receive one of said cartridges;(b) a plurality of strikers, with each striker being configured todetonate one of said cartridges when said striker is released from acocked position; (c) a plurality of retainers, with each retainer beingconfigured to retain one of said strikers in said cocked position; (d) atiming drum, movable between a first position and a second position,said timing drum being urged toward said second position by a timingspring; (e) a piston connected to said timing drum, said piston movingwithin a delay chamber filled with a delay fluid; (f) said timing drumincluding a firing slot for each of said retainers; and (g) said firingslots being configured such that said retainers are held against saidstrikers and thereby retain said strikers in said cocked position whensaid drum is in said first position, but said firing slots sequentiallyreceive said retainers as said timing drum moves toward said secondposition thereby sequentially releasing said strikers and creating adesired firing sequence.
 2. The diversionary device as recited in claim1, wherein: (a) said firing chambers and strikers are arranged in aradial array; and (b) said timing drum is in a center of said radialarray.
 3. The diversionary device as recited in claim 1, wherein: (a)said piston is connected to said timing drum by a rod; and (b) saidfiring slots run parallel to said rod.
 4. The diversionary device asrecited in claim 3, wherein said retainers are ball bearings.
 5. Thediversionary device as recited in claim 4, wherein: (a) each of saidfiring slots is connected to a parallel leader slot; and (b) when saidtiming drum is in said first position, each of said retainers rests in aleader slot.
 6. The diversionary device as recited in claim 4, wherein:(a) each striker rests within a striker bore; and (b) each retainerrests within a hole running transverse to said striker bore.
 7. Thediversionary device as recited in claim 6, wherein each striker containsa nose and a surrounding shoulder configured to engage one of said ballbearing retainers.
 8. The diversionary device as recited in claim 1,wherein said piston includes at least one metering orifice.
 9. Thediversionary device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first positionof said timing drum is selectable by said user, with said selectionproducing a different delay.
 10. The diversionary device as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a user-selectable delay device configured tocontrol an initial rate of motion of said drum.
 11. A diversionarydevice for setting off multiple cartridges housed within a commoncontainer in a timed sequence, comprising: (a) a plurality of firingchambers, with each firing chamber being configured to receive one ofsaid cartridges; (b) a plurality of strikers, with each striker beingconfigured to detonate one of said cartridges when said striker isreleased from a cocked position; (c) a plurality of retainers, with eachretainer being configured to retain one of said strikers in said cockedposition; (d) a timing drum, movable between a first position and asecond position, with said motion of said timing drum being controlledto proceed at a desired rate of speed; (e) said timing drum including afiring slot for each of said retainers; and (f) said firing slots beingconfigured such that said retainers are held against said strikers andthereby retain said strikers in said cocked position when said drum isin said first position, but said firing slots sequentially receive saidretainers as said timing drum moves toward said second position therebysequentially releasing said strikers and creating a desired firingsequence.
 12. The diversionary device as recited in claim 11, wherein:(a) said firing chambers and strikers are arranged in a radial array;and (b) said timing drum is in a center of said radial array.
 13. Thediversionary device as recited in claim 11, further comprising: (a) apiston moving through a delay fluid, said piston being connected to saidtiming drum by a rod; and (b) wherein said firing slots run parallel tosaid rod.
 14. The diversionary device as recited in claim 13, whereinsaid retainers are ball bearings.
 15. The diversionary device as recitedin claim 14, wherein: (a) each of said firing slots is connected to aparallel leader slot; and (b) when said timing drum is in said firstposition, each of said retainers rests in a leader slot.
 16. Thediversionary device as recited in claim 14, wherein: (a) each strikerrests within a striker bore; and (b) each retainer rests within a holerunning transverse to said striker bore.
 17. The diversionary device asrecited in claim 16, wherein each striker contains a nose and asurrounding shoulder configured to engage one of said ball bearingretainers.
 18. The diversionary device as recited in claim 13, whereinsaid piston includes at least one metering orifice.
 19. The diversionarydevice as recited in claim 11, wherein said first position of saidtiming drum is selectable by said user, with said selection producing adifferent delay.
 20. The diversionary device as recited in claim 11,further comprising a user-selectable delay device configured to controlan initial rate of motion of said drum.